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Kabbalah: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
by
Joseph Dan
In Kabbalah: A Very Short Introduction, Joseph Dan, one of the world's leading authorities on Jewish mysticism, offers a concise and highly accurate look at the history and character of the various systems developed by the adherents of the Kabbalah.
Dan sheds light on the many misconceptions about what Kabbalah is and isn't--including its connections to magic, astronomy, ...more
Dan sheds light on the many misconceptions about what Kabbalah is and isn't--including its connections to magic, astronomy, ...more
Paperback, 144 pages
Published
June 4th 2007
by Oxford University Press, USA
(first published October 6th 2005)
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A great introduction to Kabbalah. For one thing, it is, indeed, very short, which is good if you're looking for information but don't have a lot of extra time on your hands to mull over a mire of minutae. There was a good amount of general information without overmuch detail, just the right amount for an introduction - ideal for those who don't know what kabbalah is really all about and are just starting out learning about it.
It is a clear and concise account of the history and practices of ...more
It is a clear and concise account of the history and practices of ...more
Dan successfully condenses a millennium of diverse practices in a "very short" volume. This excellent long essay combines historical objectivity with reasonable criticism of the fringe movements that have cropped up over the course of the Kabbalah's history. This book doesn't pretend to provide readers with mystical wisdom, but merely provides a genealogy of the Kabbalah with an appropriate emphasis on Hassidism. Dan's practical sensibility and historical scholarship adds subtext t...more
Instead of "A Very Short Introduction", the subtitle of this book should be "A Very Boring History of People and Books Related to the Word Kabbalah". Ugh. I'm sure it's all very accurate, but it sure as hell isn't interesting.
Very interesting book, but poorly written. It is a great introduction into Kabbalah. It's amazing that Kabbalahists believe that they can affect the future in the present. There are many ideas and beliefs mentioned in this book that I'd like to learn more about.
Overall, worth a read for a brief intro.
Overall, worth a read for a brief intro.
Very good, very short, very introductory. What more can you ask for?
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